Ernesto Valverde will be without two first-team players on Wednesday as Barcelona prepare to welcome Villarreal at Camp Nou.
Barcelona will be looking to continue their march towards a historic ‘Invincible’ season when they play hosts to Villarreal at Camp Nou on Wednesday. But, Ernesto Valverde has a couple of issues hampering his side’s preparation for the game, and perhaps, beyond it, although he iterated in his pre-match press conference that he will hand some minutes to the fringe players.
“Considering the heavy number of minutes from the season, the three games remaining may give playing time to some of those who have played less. I’m going to put together squads which are as competitive as possible.”
Sergi Roberto will serve the first of a two-match ban after getting himself sent off in the El Clasico last weekend. The Spaniard’s place at the right side of the Barcelona defence should be taken up by Nelson Semedo, who will use at least the next two games to make a case for regular inclusion next season, especially with Barcelona linked with a potential summer foray into the market for a right-back.
The other issue that Valverde is grappling with is the absence of Samuel Umtiti, who is unavailable due to a knee injury. In the Frenchman’s stead, Yerry Mina might get a rare start to showcase his abilities, with Gerard Pique the experienced head to guide him at the heart of the Barcelona defence.
Jordi Alba should complete the backline, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen starting between the sticks once again. In midfield, Andres Iniesta is likely to be rested as he showed some knock on effects of the calf injury he braved during the El Clasico.
In his stead, Philippe Coutinho should start on the left side of the midfield, with Ousmane Dembele likely to replace him in the lineup after playing no part against Real Madrid. Sergio Busquets might be rested as well, with Paulinho taking his place in the middle of the park.
Upfront, Paco Alcacer is an option should Lionel Messi or Luis Suarez need a breather. But, the Spaniard might be an impact substitute once again, with Messi and Suarez key to Barcelona’s bid to record another unbeaten result against an in-form side.
